Detachable handle apparatus



' June 1, 1965 J. w.- SERIO DETACHABLE HANDLE APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 4, 1962 INVENTOR JAMEs 552w J. w. SERIO DETACHABLE HANDLE APPARATUS June 1, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 001;. .4, 1962 I INVENTOR JAMES W. Same sLdm ATTORNEYS June 1, 1965 J. w. SERIO 3,186,026

DETACHABLE HANDLE APPARATUS Filed Oct. 4, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 gay 5%,! N

INVENTOR James W. Same ATTORNEYS n 1965 J. w. sEmo 3,186,026

' DETACHABLE HANDLE APPARATUS Filed Oct. 4, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 G. IQ' B5 INVENTOR JAMES w. Same F1 6. 3 ATTORNEYS:

United States Patent 3,186,026 DETACHABLE HANDLE APPARATUS, James W. Serie, Hiiicrest Read, Eimira, NY. Filed on. 4, 19162, Ser. No. 229,777 Claims. (Cl. 16-114) The present application is a continuation-in-part of my copending United States patent application Serial No. 209,639, filed July 13, 1962, now abandoned. The present invention relates to a new and novel detachable handle apparatus and more particularly to a detachable handle apparatus which is adapted to be quickly and easily attached to articles such as casserole dishes and the like.

When using casserole dishes or the like, the dish often becomes very hot as a result of cooking foods in an oven or the like and it is desirable to provide means for lifting the dish from place to place without the necessity of handling it with bulky, heat insulating pads and the like. It is accordingly a primary object of the present invention to provide a detachable handle which can be quickly and easily attached to and removed from such a dish for lifting and handling the dish without the necessity of actually touching the dish and further providing a heat insulating means which prevents discomfort to the hands of the user.

It is additionally important to provide a detachable handle mechanism which when mounted in position on a dish presents a neat and pleasant appearance, and which provides a construction which is relatively compact and light in weight. The above objectives are accomplished in the present invention by providing a detachable handle apparatus which cooperates with a casserole dish or the like having integral extensions formed thereon and provided with a lip with which the handle apparatus is adapted to cooperate.

Prior art clamping mechanisms adapted to cooperate with integral extensions on casserole dishes and the like have commonly employed pivotally mounted clamping members which have been constructed in an elongated configuration such that they are subject to deflection and the positive clamping effect obtained has been limited.

In the present invention, an arrangement is provided which provides an extremely positive and strong clamping action which ensures that the handle will be very firmly attached to the associated dish and the like, and which absolutely prevents the possibility of accidental release of the handle from the dish.

In the present invention, the clamping means which engages the lip portion formed on the underside of an integral extension of a casserole dish 'or the like takes the form of a substantially cylindrical clamping pin. The handle apparatus includes body means, one portion of which engages the upper surface of the extension on the dish, this body means including spaced guide slots which positively guide movement of the clamping pin in the proper direction.

In order to produce clamping movement of the clamping pill, an actuating shaft is provided, this actuating shaft being so interconnected with the body means that it is restrained from rotation, yet is free to reciprocate relative thereto. Means is provided at the outer end of the hand grip member of the handle apparatus to produce reciprocation of the actuating shaft by simple rotation of a knob member.

The actuating shaft is provided with a cam surface, this cam surface engaging the clamping pin and positively urging the clamping pin into locking relationship and assuring that the clamping pin can not be released under any circumstances until the shaft is reciprocated in a release direction. This positive clamping action is obtained due to the interrelationship of the angle of the guide slots as well as the angularity of the cam surface formed on the 3,13%,h25 Patented June 1, 19%5 ice actuating shaft. Forces applied to the clamping pin by the extension on the supported dish tend to cam the clamping pin downwardly in the guide slots but such,

movement is positively restrained by the cam surface on the reciprocating shaft. In order to ensure that the shaft can restrain movement or" the clamping pin, the body means is provided with a means which supports the actuating shaft adjacent the clamping element to prevent defiection of the actuating shaft at such point. 7

There is no possibility that the clamping element will accidentally release since this is prevented until the operating knob member is rotated in such a direction so as to release the clamping mechanism.

The body means is connected with the hand grip memher in a manner which is most simple and expeditious by raising the body means around the hand grip member and providing an arrangement whereby the body means may be tightly clamped in position at one end of the hand grip member.

The operating means of the invention as mentioned previously comprises a rotatable hand knob which is detachably and rotatably supported at one end of the hand grip member by means of a resilient snap ring. Suitable means is provided for threadedly interconnecting the rotatable hand knob such that rotation thereof will produce reciprocation of the actuating shaft.

In a modified form of the invention means is provided for positively locking the rotatable hand knob in any desired adjusted position primarily to ensure that the clamping mechanism of the apparatus does not accidentally release under any circumstances until it is specifically desired to release the clamping mechanism. This locking mechanism is resiliently urged into locking position such that the device will be automatically locked until it is specifically moved in an opposite direction to unlock the hand knob.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel detachable handle apparatus which is particularly adapted for use with casserole dishes and the like.

Another object of the invention is the provisionof a detachable handle apparatus which is very attractive in appearance and which can be quickly and easily attached to or removed from a dish or the like by simply rotating a hand knob at one end of the apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide a detachable handle apparatus Which incorporates a cam arrangement for very powerfully urging the clamping element into locking relationship and further which positively prevents release of the clamping mechanism under load to ensure that the handle apparatus will not become accidentally released from an associated dish and the like.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a locking mechanism which automatically locks the rotatable operating mechanism in position until it is specifically released.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a detachable handle apparatus which is quite simple, compact, and inexpensive in construction and yet which is sturdy and reliable in operation.

Other objects audrnany attendant advantages of the invention will become more apparent when considered in connection with the specification and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view illustrating the handle apparatus of the present invention in clamped relationship on an associated casserole dish or the like;

FIG. 2 is a side view of'the apparatus shown in FIGxl;

FIG. 2A is an end view of the operating knob shown at the righthand portion of FIG. 2;

. FIG. 3 is a sectional view partially broken away taken substantially along line 3-6 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows, and being partially broken away;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 66 of FIG. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the manner in which the components of the body means are related to one another and to the supporting end of the hand grip member;

FIG. 8 illustrates a modified form of providing a threaded interconnection between the operating knob and the actuating shaft;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 99 of FIG. 8 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 10 is a cut-away perspective view illustrating a modification of the invention incorporating means for automatically locking the operating knob in position;

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal section through the modified form of the invention shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 12.12 of FIG. 11 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 11 illustrating the mechanism in released position which permits rotation of the operating hand knob;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 1414 of FIG. 13 looking in the direction of the arrows; and

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 1515 of FIG. 13 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4 a casserole dish or the like indicated generally by reference numeral 10 having an integral extension or handle member 11 extending from the side thereof, this extension having a downwardly extending lip 12 at the outer edge thereof, this lip defining a shoulder 13 which is adapted to cooperate with the clamping element of the detachable handle apparatus for positively retaining the handle in locked relation to the dish. The dish is provided with a sloping side surface 15, this sloping side surface being adapted to engage a portion of the body means hereinafter described.

The handle apparatus indicated generally by reference numeral 17 includes a body means indicated generally by reference numeral 18 and a hand grip member 19 having an adjustable hand knob at the outer end thereof.

The hand grip member 19 is preferably formed of a heat insulating material such as plastic and the like and provided with a suitable outer configuration so as to be readily held in the hand. The hand grip member includes an extension 22 at the inner end thereof which flares outw wardly from the main body portion of the hand grip member, the hand grip member being provided with a central bore 23 which joins with a larger counterbore 25 at the outer end of the hand grip member. The under surface of extension 22 is recessed as indicated by refthe sloping outer surface 15 of the associated dish or the like for properly positioning the handle apparatus.

Side walls and 36 include inwardly projecting portions 46 and 41 respectively which define reinforcing flanges along the lower edge of these wall portions, the rear part of flanges 40 and 41 being bent first downwardly as indicated by reference numerals 40 and 41' and then are bent upwardly and back upon themselves to define channel portions indicated generally by reference numerals 4t)" and 41" respectively.

Portion 31 of the body means includes a lower wall portion 45 having integral upstanding side wall portions 46 and 47 and an integral upstanding back wall portion 43. Side wall portions 46 and 47 are embossed as indicated at 46' and 47' respectively, these embossed portions being provided with guide slots 50 and 51 which are inclined such that when the handle is in a horizontal position for example, the guide slots may extend along axes sloping approximately 15 with respect to vertical.

It will be understood that the angularity of the slope of the slots may be varied as desired, the slots sloping upwardly and toward the inner end portion of the handle apparatus.

The clamping element of the present invention comprises a substantially cylindrical pin member 55 which has opposite end portions thereof slidably disposed within guide slots 50 and 51 respectively so as to confine the movement of the clamping element in a predetermined manner.

The lower wall 45 of body portion 31 is provided with an upwardly projecting embossment 57 which serves a purpose hereinafter described. Wall 48 of portion 31 is provided with an inwardly extending embossment 60 having an opening 61 extending therethrough, this opening including a flat 62 formed along the bottom portion thereof for a purpose hereinafter described.

In assembling the body means, the two portions 30 and 31 as seen in FIG. 7 are spot-welded to one another at opposite sides as indicated by reference numerals 65 and 66 in FIG. 4. This serves to hold these two portions in rigid relationship to one another. The body portion 30 is fitted around extension 22 of the hand grip member such that the top wall 30 of the body means will rest upon wall 34 of the extension of the hand grip member while side walls 35 and 36 of the body means are adapted to engage flush against the side walls of extension 22.

The inwardly projecting channel portions 46 and 41 are adapted to fit up within the recess 26 provided in the under surface of extension 22 of the hand grip member, and a clip member indicated generally by reference numeral 70 is provided for tightly clamping body portion 30 with its attached body portion 31 to the end of the hand grip member. Clip member 30 is provided with a pair of channel portions '71 and '72 which are adapted to cooperate with channel portions 40' and 41 of body portion 39 as seen particularly in FIG. 5 for holding the channel portions 46 and 41' of the body portion in adjacent relationship to one another so as to tightly clamp the body means on the extension of the hand grip member. It will be seen that when the body means is in the assembled relation it fits snugly about extension 22 and up against the face '74 defined between the extension and the main body portion of the hand grip member.

The actuating means of the present invention includes an actuating shaft which is reciprocably mounted within the bore 23 formed in the hand grip member. The inner end of actuator shaft 75 is provided with a cam surface 76 which engages the clamping pin 55 and urges the clamping pin upwardly upon inward reciprocatory movement of the actuator shaft into clamping position. It will be noted that the cam surface 76 is disposed at an angle such that it lies in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the path of movement of the clamping pin within its guide slots.

As seen mostly clearly in FIG. 3, although actuator shaft 75 is substantially cylindrical throughout the major portion of its extent, it is provided with a fiat portion 80 at the inner end thereof which terminates at a shoulder portion 81. As seen in FIG. 3, the embossment 57 formed in the bottom wall 45 of body portion 31 engages the flat 80 on the shaft so as to support the shaft under and adjacent to the clamping end 55 thereby preventing undesired deflection of the shaft and assisting in maintaining the apparatus in locked position.

The inner end of shaft 75 also fits snugly through the opening 61 in wall 48 of body portion 31 with the flat 811 on the actuator shaft fitting up against the fiat 62 of opening 61. The cooperation between opening 61 and actuator shaft 75 is such that rotation of actuator shaft 75 with respect to the body means and the associated hand grip member is prevented whereas reciprooatory movement therebetween is possible. Shoulder 81 will engage wall 48 of the body means to limit movement of actuator shaft 75 in an inward direction.

The actuator knob 20 provided at the outer end of the handle apparatus includes a main body portion 85 formed of a suitable heat insulating substance such as plastic and the like which has longitudinally extending grooves 36 formed therein for facilitating grasping and turning of the knob. The knob also is provided with a dished recess 83 in the end thereof which as seen in FIG. 2A may be provided with molded printing indicating open and closed directions as indicated by the arrow.

As seen in FIG. 2A, rotation of the knob in a clockwise direction will cause closing or locking of the handle to a dish, while rotation in a counterclockwise direction will cause the handle apparatus to open or release from locking engagement with a dish or the like.

Body portion 85 includes an integral reduced portion 90 which snugly fits within the recessed portion 25 of the hand grip member. Reduced portion 911 is provided with an annular groove 91 within which is disposed a resilient split retaining ring 92, this retaining ring being adapted to expand outwardly into an annular groove 93 formed around the inner surface of recess 25.

This retaining ring is depressed into the portion 941 of 'the knob when the knob is inserted into the hand grip member, and the ring then snaps outwardly into the position shown for retaining the knob on the hand grip memher and yet permitting relative rotation between these two members.

Means is provided for producing reciproca-tory movement of actuator shaft 75 by rotation of actuator knob 20, and this may take the form of a threaded interconnection between these members. shown in FIGS. 1-7, the knob is provided with a longitudinally extending recess 94 receiving the outer end of the actuator shaft, this outer end of the actuator shaft being provided with a lefthand thread 95. A pin member 96 is inserted in a suitable passage provided in the knob, the pin fitting within the thread 95 as clearly seen in FIG. 4 such that relative rotation of the knob with respect to the actuator shaft which is held against rotation will cause reciprocation of the actuator shaft as will be understood.

Rotation of the knob in a counterclockwise direction as seen in FIG. 2A so as to open or release the handle apparatus will cause the actuator shaft to move outwardly until the outer end 98 of the actuator shaft engages the end wall d9 of recess 94.

This end wall serves as a stop for the shaft to limit its movement so that the flat on the shaft will not become disengaged from the fiat on the hole through the wall 48 of the body means. On the other hand, the shoulder 81 previously mentioned limits inward movement of the actuator shaft so as to prevent the knob from unscrewing from the shaft.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a modification is il-' lustrated wherein a modified operating knob 20 is associated with a hand grip member 19 identical with the hand In the modification 6 grip member previously described. The knob member 20' is similar to knob member 20 and is held in place by a retaining ring 92', the difference in construction of knob 20 lying in the provision of a metal nut 102 which is molded in the plastic knob. This metal nut is provided with threads which receive complementary threads 104 provided on the outer end of a modified actuatorshaft 75 which in other respects is identical with the actuator shaft 75 previously described. It is apparent that rotation of knob 20 will produce reciprocatory movement of actuator shaft 7 5', and end wall 1th; of a recess 1117 provided within the knob will serve to limit outward movement of the actuator shaft.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-15, a modified form of theinvention is illustrated wherein a hand grip member 19 is again provided substantially the same as the hand grip member previously described, and the shaft 75 corresponds exactly to the shaft 75 as set forth hereinbefore. In this modification, the hand knob operating means is indicated generally by reference numeral and includes an inner portion 111 and an outer portion 112 which are interconnected with one another for relative movement in a longitudinal direction, but are rotatably fixed to one another as hereinafter discussed. Member 111 includes an innermost reduced portion 115, an enlarged intermediate portion 116 and a further enlarged outermost portion 117. Reduced portion 115 snugly fits within the recessed portion 25 of the hand grip member. Reduced portion 115 is provided with an annular groove 116 within which is disposed a resilient split retaining ring 117, this retaining ring being adapted to expand outwardly into an annular groove 120 formed around the'inner surface of recess 25'. It is apparent that the retaining ring will serve to secure member 111 in operative position as shown.

Member 111 is provided with a longitudinally extending recess 123 which receives the outer end of the actuator shaft, this outer end of the actuator shaft being provided with a lefthand thread 125. A pin member 126 is inserted in a suitable passage provided in member 111, the pin fitting within the thread such that relative rotation of member 111 with respect to actuator shaft 75' which is held against rotation will cause reciprocation of the actuator shaft in a manner similar to that previously described.

It is apparent that the end wall 127 of recess 123 will serve as a stop for the actuator shaft 75 in a manner as previously discussed.

Member 112 is provided with four inwardly extending splined or rib members 130 as seen most clearly in FIG. 15 which slidably fit within longitudinally extending slots 131 provided in the intermediate portion 116 of member 111, this interconnection of course serving to permit relative longitudinal movement of member 112 with respect to member 111, yet at the same time preventing any relative rotation between the members. The remaining portion of member 112 extending circumferentially from the spline-like members 130 is rotatably journalled on the outer surface 116 of member 111 with the exception of the cutout portion 135 which provides a space for receiving a compression spring 136 having one end in engagement with the shoulder portion 137 of member 112 and having the opposite end thereof in engagement with a face of the enlarged portion 117 of member 111. It is apparent that spring 136 normally biases member 112 toward hand grip member 19'.

Hand grip member 19 is substantially the same as hand grip member 19 previously described with the exception that it is provided with a cutout portion 140 at the outer end thereof which is adapted to receive an annular portion 141 of member 112, the faces 140' and 141 of these portions respectively being in abutting relationship when the apparatus is in its normal locked position.

Additionally, the outermost terminal portion of hand grip member 19 in this modification is provided with an annular series of serrations or teeth 145 which are adapted to cooperate with a complementary annular series of serrations or teeth 146 provided on the inner portion of member 112. In other words, spring 136 normally biases teeth 146 into engagement with teeth 145 to lock member 112 relative to member 19 to prevent any relative rotation therebetween.

In this last described modification, it is apparent that member 112 and accordingly member 111 are normally locked against relative rotation with respect to the hand grip member 19'. When it is desired to adjust the position of the clamping mechanism it is merely necessary to pull back on member 112 until the teeth 146 thereof are disengaged from the teeth 145 as shown in FIG. 13, whereupon rotation of member 112 will produce rotation of member 111 so as to cause reciprocation of actuator shaft 75'. When the clamping mechanism is in the desired position, member 112 is released whereupon spring 1 136 causes the teeth 145 and 146 to be re-engaged with one another to lock the clamping mechanism in position.

It is apparent from the foregoing that there is provided a new and novel detachable handle apparatus which is particularly adapted for use with casserole dishes and the like and which provides a very neat and attractive appearance. The handle may be easily attached to or removed from the dish simply by rotating the operating knob at the outer end of the handle apparatus. Such rotation of the knob provides a very powerful camming action of the clamping pin by camming it up along its guide slots in the body means into engagement with the under surface of the integral extension on the casserole dish and in such a position as to engage the inner shoulder on the downwardly projecting lip of such integral extension. This arrangement provides a very positive and effective locking arrangement which absolutely prevents release of the clamping mechanism under load and therefore ensures that the handle apparatus will not become accidentally released. The apparatus is quite simple, compact and inexpensive in construction, and yet at the same time is very sturdy and reliable in operation.

Means is also provided for positively locking the clamping mechanism in desired position by providing a means which normally automatically prevents relative ro tation between the hand operating knob and the hand grip member until the operating knob is specifically retracted against the force of the spring means so as to perm-it relative rotation between the members.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changes that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as Well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are therefore intended to be embraced by those claims.

I claim:

1. Detachable handle apparatus comprising a body means including a clamping portion for engaging a member to be clamped, clamping means movably supported by said body means for movement into and out of clamping relationship with a portion of said body means, said clamping means comprising a movable elongated clamping member, and actuating means movably supported by said body means, said actuating means including a cam surface for engaging said clamping means and moving said clamping member laterally toward said body means clamping portion and into clamping position for engaging a member to be clamped.

2. Detachable handle apparatus comprising a body means, a clamping means movably supported by said body means for movement into and out of clamping relationship with a portion of said body means, said body means including guide means engaging spaced portions of said clamping means for guiding movement of said clamping means into and out of clamping position, and

actuating means movably supported by said body means and including a cam surface formed thereon directly engageable with an intermediate portion of said clamping means for moving said clamping means into clamping position.

3. Detachable handle apparatus comprising a body means, a clamping element movably supported by said body means for movement into and out of clamping relationship with a portion of said body means, said clamping element comprising a substantially cylindrical member, said body means including guide slots engaging spaced portions of said clamping means for guiding movement of the clamping means, actuating means movably supported by said body means, said actuating means including a cam surface directly engageable with an intermediate portion of said clamping element for moving said clamping element into clamping position.

4. Detachable handle apparatus comprising a body means, a clamping pin, guide means having guide slots formed therein, said guide slots receiving spaced portions of said clamping pin for guiding movement of said clamping pin into and out of clamping position, actuating means including an actuating shaft reciprocably sup ported by a portion of said body means, means for producing reciprocatory movement of said actuating shaft, said shaft having a cam surface formed thereon for engaging and moving said clamping pin into clamping position.

5. Detachable handle apparatus comprising a body means, a clamping element movably supported by said body means for movement into and out of clamping relationship with a portion of said body means, said clamping means comprising a substantially cylindrical pin member, said body means having guide slots formed therein, said clamping pin having spaced portions thereof slidably positioned within said slots whereby movement of said clamping pin is guided by the slots, an elongated hand grip member secured to said body means and having a bore formed therethrough, an actuating shaft reciprocably mounted within said bore, said shaft having a cam surface formed thereon for engaging said clamping pin and moving the clamping pin into clamping position, and means for producing reciprocatory movement of said actuating shaft.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said actuating shaft has a fiat formed thereon, said body means including an opening receiving said shaft, said opening having a flat for engaging the flat on the shaft to prevent rotation of the shaft.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said operating means for the clamping shaft comprises a member rotatably supported by said hand grip member, and means providing a threaded interconnection between said operating means and said shaft to produce reciprocatory movement of the shaft.

8. Detachable handle apparatus comprising an elongated hand grip member, a body means including a portion fitted around one end of said hand grip member, means for clamping said body means in position on said end of the hand grip member, said body means having a pair of spaced guide slots formed therein, a clamping element comprising an elongated cylindrical pin member having spaced portions thereof slidably positioned within said guide slots, said hand grip member having a bore formed therethrough, actuating means including an actuating shaft reciprocably mounted within said bore, said shaft having a cam surface formed thereon for engaging said clamping pin and urging said clamping pin into clamping position, said body means including an opening receiving said shaft, said shaft having a fiat formed thereon and said opening having a complementary flat whereby engagement of the two flats prevents rotation but permits reciprocation of said actuating shaft, said body means including a portion having another fiat formed thereon engaging the fiat on said shaft for sup porting the shaft adjacent said clamping element, and operating means for producing reciprocation of said shaft, said operating means including a member rotatably supported at one end of said hand grip member and interconnected with said shaft such that rotation of said last-mentioned member with respect to said shaft produces reciprocation of said shaft.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said shaft includes a shoulder thereon adapted to engage a portion of said body means for limiting movement of said shaft in one direction.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said operating means includes a stop surface formed thereon for engaging a portion of said shaft for limiting movement of said shaft in one direction.

11. Apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said operating member is detachably secured to said hand grip member by means of a resilient snap ring.

12. Detachable handle apparatus comprising an elongated hand grip member, a body means supported by said hand grip member, a clamping element movably supported by said body means for movement into and out of clamping relationship with a portion of said body means, said clamping means comprising a substantially cylindrical member, an actuating means movably supported by said body means, said actuating means including an actuating shaft reciprocably supported by said hand grip member and having a cam surface formed thereon for engaging and moving said clamping element into clamping position, means for producing reciprocatory movement of said actuating shaft including a rotatable means connected with a portion of said shaft, and means for positively locking said rotatable means with respect to said hand grip member.

13. Detachable handle apparatus comprising an elongated hand grip member, a body means supported by said hand grip member, a clamping element movably supported by said body means for movement into and out of clamping relationship with a portion of said body means, said clamping means comprising a substantially cylindrical member, an actuating means movably supported by said body means, said actuating means including an actuating shaft reciprocably supported by said hand grip member and having a cam surface formed thereon for engaging and moving said clamping element into clamping position, means for producing reciprocatory movement of said actuating shaft including a rotatable means connected with a portion of said shaft, and means for positively locking said rotatable means with respect to said hand grip member, said rotatable means including a first member threadediy interconnected with a portion of said shaft, and a second member mounted on said first member for relative longitudinal movement with 10 respect thereto but being rotatably fixed thereto, said second member including means for engaging a portion of said hand grip member for preventing relative rotation therebetween.

14. Detachable handle apparatus comprising an elongated hand grip member, a body means supported by said hand grip member, a clamping element movably supported by said body means for movement into and out of clamping relationship with a portion of said body means, said clamping means comprising a substantially cylindrical member, an actuating means movably supported by said body means, said actuating means including an actuating shaft reciprocably supported by said hand grip member and having a cam surface formed thereon for engaging and moving said clamping element into clamping position, means for producing reciprocatory movement of said actuating shaft including a rotatable means connected with a portion of said shaft, and means for positively locking said rotatable means with respect to said hand grip member, said second member and said hand grip member being provided with cooperating locking means for preventing relative rotation therebetween, and resilient means normally urging said second member toward said hand grip member for engaging said locking means.

15. A detachable handle for a container having a lip thereon comprising a hollow insulating handle member having an element on one end thereof which defines a body member, said body member having spaced side portions and a portion for engaging a lip on a container, an elongated locking means mounted between said spaced side portions for movement with respect to said body member, an elongated operating member mounted transversely of said locking means for movement in said hollow handle member and projecting therefrom between said body member side portions for engagement with said locking member to force said locking member laterally toward said body portion engaging said lip, thereby to exert a clamping force on said lip, and manually operable means connected with said operating member for selectively actuating said operating member over a range of positions.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,494,159 1/50 Bernstein. 2,851,299 9/58 Serio. 3,065,017 11/62 Serio 16114 X 3,065,018 11/62 Serio 294-31 3,108,316 10/63 Peale.

DONLEY I. STOCKING, Primary Examiner. 

4. DETACHABLE HANDLE APPARATUS COMPRISING A BODY MEANS, A CLAMPING PIN, GUIDE MEANS HAVING GUIDE SLOTS FORMED THEREIN, SAID GUIDES SLOTS RECEIVING SPACED PORTIONS OF SAID CLAMPING PIN FOR GUIDING MOVEMENT OF SAID CLAMPING PIN INTO AND OUT OF CLAMPING POSITION, ACTUATING MEANS INCLUDING AN ACTUATING SHAFT RECIPROCABLY SUPPORTED BY A PORTION OF SAID BODY MEANS, MEANS FOR PRODUCING RECIPROCATORY MOVEMENT OF SAID ACTUATING SHAFT, SAID SHAFT HAVING A CAM SURFACE FORMED THEREON FOR ENGAGING AND MOVING SAID CLAMPING PIN INTO CLAMPING POSITION. 